Growing up in Charleston, South Carolina, Thanksgiving reigns as my favorite holiday. My family celebrated with a traditional southern feast that included: an herb based roasted turkey, glazed ham, collards greens marinated with neck bones, oyster stuffing, and macaroni and cheese deluxe...having a lot of cheese in it, is an understatement. This is the short food list, because we had three or four cooks in the kitchen. Among them, my grandmother, mother, and aunt--this all-star lineup responsible for feeding us declared Thanksgiving a holy day.

The old adage is still true today: you are what you eat. I no longer eat collard green graced with neck bones, but more than the food, I miss the people. I miss being in the kitchen watching my grandmother create magic by making cornbread. You see, the cornbread is never made without the stimulation of rich conversation. Yes, the food is baked, roasted, fried, and sautéed--but the best part of the day is toasting one another with our presence. I miss that part the most. I can't but that at Publix and bring it home on Thanksgiving Day.

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Blogger Bio:

Theda Okona is a former storyteller and co-host for an internet radio broadcast. She lives to be inspired. Adjunct Professor at Miami Dade College, Writer, Speaker, Vocalist and Author of Clouds of Grace--she has a Master of Arts in Education and a Bachelor of Arts in English.